Scaffold clamp

ABSTRACT

A scaffold clamp  1  is provided for retaining two scaffold pipes  3  and  5  in close proximity. The scaffold clamp  1  comprises a first yoke part  7  for engaging with external surface of one of the scaffold pipes  3/5 . A second yoke part  9  is provided for engaging with external surfaces of the other of the scaffold pipes  3/5 . A stringer part  11  interconnects the first yoke part  7  and the second yoke part  9  at one side. A clamping mechanism  17  is provided for interconnecting the first yoke part  7  and the second yoke part  9  at the other side. The scaffold clamp is such that the two scaffold pipes  3/5  will be embraced within a space  23  defined by the first yoke part  7  and the second yoke part  9 , and the stringer part  11  and the clamping mechanism  17 , so there can be relative drawing of the first yoke part  7  towards the second yoke part  9  to retain the two scaffold pipes  3/5  in adjacent proximity.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims the benefit of the filing dates of Australian application no. 2006906006 filed 27 Oct. 2006 and U.S. application No. 60/868,602 filed 5 Dec. 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein in the entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a scaffold clamp for retaining two scaffold pipes together in adjacent proximity.

BACKGROUND ART

Hitherto, scaffolds have been traditionally built to required widths across the face of a building, or other structure, by assembling a plurality of upright scaffold pipes and interconnecting those upright scaffold pipes by horizontally transversely extending scaffold pipes. In this way, a scaffold can be built to extend across the width of a building or other structure and can be assembled in interconnecting parts relating to the lengths of the horizontally transverse scaffold pipes by adding additional scaffold pipes across an already assembled scaffold. The whole assembly is a unitary assembly, and is not built up from discrete scaffold modules.

In recent times, there have been physically independent and discrete scaffold modules produced. Typically, the scaffold modules are provided in a knockdown form so that one side or face of the scaffold module is provided as a unitary structure, and two such sides or faces are interconnected by horizontally extending scaffold pipes using known scaffold pipe connectors. In such case, a complete scaffold module typically 2 m wide×1 m deep×2 m high is formed. A scaffold module can be built to any height by simply stacking multiples of these independent discrete modules one above the other. Typically, there is a ferule socket and pin interconnection between adjacent height modules. When these individual discrete modules are utilised, interconnection between adjacent modules that extend across the width of a building or other structure has presented a problem, and generally, the independent modules that are spaced across the width of a building are not interconnected together, and stand independent of each other. This is not desirable. In some cases, independent modules have been interconnected by a bridge which is usually of several meters in length, but the bridge requires the use of additional scaffold pipes, floor, and other bulky components, and because of this is generally inconvenient and additionally requires these bulky components to be separately purchased or hired.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, according to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scaffold clamp for retaining two scaffold pipes together in adjacent proximity, said clamp comprising a first yoke part for engaging with an external surface of one of the scaffold pipes, and a second yoke part for engaging with an external surface of the other of the scaffold pipes,

each of the first yoke part and the second yoke parts being of lengths to extend to overlap past the sides of the respective two scaffold pipes,

a stringer part interconnecting the first yoke part and the second yoke part at one side of the first yoke part and at one side of the second yoke part,

and a clamping mechanism for interconnecting the first yoke part and the second yoke part at the other side of first yoke part and the second yoke part,

the scaffold clamp being such that the two scaffold pipes will be embraced within a space defined by the first yoke part and the second yoke part, and the stringer and the clamping mechanism, so that the clamping mechanism can be operated to relatively draw the first yoke part towards the second yoke part and to retain the two scaffold pipes together in adjacent proximity.

In an example, the stringer part is connected with at least one of the first yoke part or second yoke part by a connection that permits relative swinging of the stringer part relative to the respective yoke part, and wherein, in use, an axis of swinging is generally parallel with a longitudinal central axis of a scaffold pipe to which the scaffold clamp is to be used with.

In an example, the stringer part is connected with both the one yoke part and the second yoke part by respective connections that permit relative swinging of the stringer part relative to both yoke parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention can be more clearly ascertained, examples of embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a horizontal cross sectional view taken through two adjacent upright scaffold pipes that each are provided on independent scaffold modules.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a yoke part of the scaffold clamp shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross sectional view taken along section line 3 3′ of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the scaffold clamp in a open condition and with a scaffold pipe spacer.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a locating pin which is used to co-operate with the scaffold clamp shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view showing the spacer isolated from the scaffold clamp.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross sectional view taken along section line 7 7′ of FIG. 1 showing the scaffold clamp in position and showing the locating pin in position.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view showing how independent discrete scaffold modules are interconnected so that two scaffold pipes of adjacent modules are retained in adjacent proximity using the scaffold clamp, and

FIG. 9 is an isometric view showing an alternative form of spacer for use with the scaffold clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Referring firstly to the example of the scaffold clamp shown in FIGS. 1-4, it can be seen that the scaffold clamp 1 retains two scaffold pipes 3 and 5 in adjacent proximity. Scaffold pipe 3 is an upright scaffold pipe of one scaffold module and scaffold pipe 5 is an upright pipe of the other scaffold module. The scaffold modules are shown in FIG. 8 and will be referred to later. Scaffold clamp 1 comprises a first yoke part 7 and a second yoke part 9 for engaging with external surfaces of the respective scaffold pipes 3 and 5. Typically, the yoke parts 7 and 9 are made from cast aluminium. FIG. 1 clearly shows that the yoke parts 7 and 9 are of lengths to extend to overlap past the sides of the respective two scaffold pipes 3 and 5. The first yoke part 7 and the second yoke part 9 are interconnected by a stringer part 11. This stringer part 11 extends to connect with one side 13 of the first yoke part 7, and one side 15 of the second yoke part 9. A clamping mechanism 17 interconnects the first yoke part 7 and the second yoke part 9 at the other side 19 of the first yoke part, and the other side 21 of the second yoke part 9. The scaffold clamp 1 is such that the two scaffold pipes 3 and 5 will be embraced within a space 23 defined by the first yoke part 7 and the second yoke part 9, and the stringer 11 and the clamping mechanism 17. The clamping mechanism 17 can then be operated to relatively draw the first yoke part 7 towards the second yoke part 9 and to retain the two scaffold pipes 3 and 5 together in adjacent proximity.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the second yoke part 9. Here, it can be seen that the second yoke part 9 has a generally rectangular transverse cross sectional shape as shown by FIG. 3. The face 25 of the second yoke part 9 has a curved profile so that the external surface of a scaffold pipe 3 can nest therein. FIG. 3 clearly shows that the face 25 has a centrally positioned relief 27 so as to provide two exposed faces 25 that will engage with the outer surfaces of the scaffold pipe 3 and provide for good mating contact therewith. The second yoke part 9 has a head 29 at the one side 15. The head 29 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a central cut-out part 31 for receipt of an end of the stringer part 11. The head 29 also has a central bore 33 therethrough so that a hinge pin 35 can pass through the head 29 and through an opening in an end of the stringer part 11 to swing connect the second yoke part relative to the stringer 11. The end of the stringer 11 may be suitably enlarged enabling it to locate within the head 29 and to receive the pin 35. The other side 21 of the second yoke part 9 is provided with a generally rectangular block end 37. The block end 37 has a generally horizontally extending passageway 39 therethrough. FIG. 2 shows that the passageway 39 is open at the extreme free end of the block end 37. This is to enable the clamping mechanism 17 to be received therein and to permit opening and closing of the clamping mechanism during fitting and/or removal of the clamping mechanism from the two scaffold pipes 3 and 5. The first yoke part 7 has a similar construction to that of the second yoke part 9 except that the first yoke part 7 has two heads 29—one being at one end 13 and the other at the other end 19. Similar hinge pins 35 are provided through similar bores 33 to permit the stringer part 11 to be connected therewith, and to permit the clamping mechanism 17 to be connected therewith. The respective ends of the stringer part 11 and the clamping mechanism 17 are suitably shaped to fit within cut-out parts of the heads 29 and to receive the hinge pins 35. The arrangement is such that the connections between the first yoke part 7 and the stringer part 11, and the second yoke part 9 and the stringer part 11 is such that there can be relative swinging of the stringer part 11 relative to the respective yoke parts 7 and 9. It is also to be noted that in use, the axis of swinging is generally parallel with a longitudinal central axis of a scaffold pipe 3 or 5 to which the scaffold clamp is to be used with. If desired, there may be swinging connection of the stringer part 11 to only one of the first yoke part 7 or second yoke part 9. Preferably, there is a swinging connection between the stringer part 11 and each of the first yoke part 7 and the second yoke part 9 as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 shows that the clamping mechanism 7 is connected with the first yoke part 7, however, it could be connected with a swing connection to the second yoke part 9. In such a situation, the head 29 shown on the other side 19 of the first yoke part 7 would be provided at the other side 21 of the second yoke part 9. Block end 37 shown on the second yoke part 9 would then be provided on the first yoke part 7 at the other side 19.

FIG. 1 shows that the clamping mechanism 17 is a screw threaded operating clamping mechanism. Here, a nut 41 is screw threaded onto an elongate arm part 43 that forms part of the clamping mechanism 17. The arrangement is such that the arm part 43 can be swung about the hinge pin 35 to open and/or close the space 23. In the position shown in FIG. 1, the nut 31 can be rotated on the arm part 43 to screw threadably draw the first yoke part 7 towards the second yoke part 9 to hold the two scaffold parts 3 and 5 together in adjacent proximity. The lengths of the stringer part 11 and the arm part 43 are suitably chosen having regard to the diameters of the scaffold pipes 3 and 5 and the distance of spacing apart of the scaffold pipes 3 and 5.

FIG. 1 clearly shows that the axis of swinging of the clamping mechanism 17 about hinge pin 35 is generally parallel with the axis of swinging of the connection between the stringer part 11 and the first yoke part 7 or second yoke part 9. In other words, each of the hinge pins 35 are aligned generally upright and vertical when in use. The horizontally extending passageway 39 acts to provide a socket for receipt of the arm part 43 of the clamping mechanism 17. Thus, when the nut 41 is screw threadably rotated to move along the arm part 43, the nut will apply a clamping pressure to the socket formed by the horizontally extending passageway 39 and permit a clamping force to be applied to draw the first yoke part 7 towards the second yoke part 9.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the scaffold clamp 1 is provided with a scaffold pipe spacer 45. Here, the scaffold pipe spacer 45 is formed from a compressible synthetic plastics material. The scaffold pipe spacer 45 may be formed of any suitable material, however, it is desirable to have a compressible material with limited compression characteristics. The scaffold pipe spacer 45 is provided to be placed between the two scaffold pipes 3 and 5. Under such conditions, the spacer 45 will space the scaffold pipes 3 and 5 and permit compressive clamping to occur to the two pipes from the first yoke part 7 and the second yoke part 9 when the first yoke part 7 is relatively drawn towards the second yoke part 9. FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 show that the scaffold pipe spacer 45 has the surfaces thereof that engage with the outer surfaces of the scaffold pipes 3 and 5 of a suitable curved profile to conform with the general curved profile of the external surfaces of the scaffold pipes 3 and 5.

FIG. 6 in particular shows that the scaffold pipe spacer 45 has a hole 49 so that the spacer 45 can be held to the scaffold clamp 1 by either the stringer part 11 passing through the hole 49 or by the arm of the clamping mechanism 17 passing through the hole 49. In the example shown, the stringer part 11 passes through the hole 49. In this case, the scaffold pipe spacer 45 can swing relative to the stringer part 11 so that it extends into the space 23. The length of scaffold pipe spacer 45 is sufficient to span across the space 23 and to rest upon the arm 43 of the clamping mechanism 17. The free end 51 of the scaffold pipe spacer 45 has an arcuate cut-out pipe 53 so that the free end 51 can rest over the top of the arm 43.

FIG. 4 clearly shows that the ends of the stringer part 11 are suitably shaped to fit within the heads 29 of the first yoke part 7 and second yoke part 9 and that the end of the clamping mechanism 17 that connects with the head 29 of the first yoke part 7 is also suitably shaped to locate therewith. FIG. 4 also shows a washer 55 to act as a suitable washer surface with the block end 37 during tightening of the nut 41.

In use, the clamping mechanism 17 is swung so as to open the scaffold clamp 1. The yoke parts 7 or 9 are also swung relative to the stringer part 11 so as to move them outwardly. The scaffold clamp 1 is then fitted about two adjacent scaffold pipes 3 and 5 and the first yoke part 7 and second yoke part 9 swung so that they move inwardly towards the two scaffold pipes 3 and 5. The clamping mechanism 17 is then swung so that the arm 43 is received within the horizontally extending passageway 39—socket—and so that the nut 41 can then be screw threadably moved along the arm 43 to relatively move the first yoke part 7 and second yoke part 9 together. Continued rotation of the nut 41 permits a compressive force to be applied such that the scaffold pipes 3 and 5 are tightly engaged with the first yoke part 7, the spacer 45, and the second yoke part 9.

FIG. 8 shows how independent discrete scaffold modules 57 can be interconnected using the scaffold clamp 1. Here, two adjacent scaffold modules 57 are brought into proximity so that upright scaffold pipes 3 and 5 are in adjacent proximity. One scaffold clamp 1 is fitted to an upper part of the two scaffold modules 57 and another scaffold clamp 1 is fitted to a lower part of two scaffold modules 57. Whilst two scaffold clamps 1 have been shown other numbers of scaffold clamps 1 may be utilised. The scaffold clamps 1 are suitably fitted about the upright scaffold pipes 3 and 5 and the clamping mechanisms 17 are operated to relatively draw the first yoke parts 7 towards the second yoke parts 9 to retain the two scaffold pipes 3 and 5 together in adjacent proximity. If the scaffold clamp 1 includes a scaffold pipe spacer 45 then the spacer acts to suitably space the two scaffold modules 57 and enables compressive forces to be applied by the clamping mechanism 17 to clampingly hold two scaffold modules 57 in adjacent proximity. If the scaffold pipe spacers 45 are not provided, the two scaffold pipes 3 and 5 can abut with each other to enable compressive clamping forces to be applied between them. In some cases, the two scaffold modules 57 can abut with each other by contact being made between protruding parts of the two modules. These protruding parts may be parts of the modules that hold the various pipes of each of the respective modules in fixed relation to each other. FIG. 8 shows a one dimensional spread of the scaffold modules 57, however, it should be appreciated that there may also be a two dimensional spread of the scaffold modules. Accordingly by utilizing a scaffold module of a size 1.8 m wide, by 0.75 m deep, by 1.4 m high as an example, it is possible by using three such modules to provide the following:

1. Three 1.8 m×0.75 m×1.4 m Modules 2. One 1.8 m×2.25 m×1.4 m Module 3. One 1.8 m×0.75 m×2.5 m Module

-   -   Plus One 1.8 m×0.7 mm×1.4 m Module

4. One 1.8 m×0.75 mm×4.2 m Module

Thus, the scaffold clamps permit enhanced functionality of scaffold build modules without the need for additional scaffold pipes, floor, and other bulky components. The scaffold clamps are relatively inexpensive compared to all of the additional bulky components, and therefore provide for greater possibilities in module size interconnected assemblies.

Returning now to FIG. 5, there is shown a locating pin 59 that can be associated with the scaffold clamp 1 and useable to height locate the scaffold clamp 1 relative to the upright scaffold pipes 3 and 5. The locating pin 59 therefore acts as a position locator by passing through pre-provided aligned apertures 61 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) that are provided laterally across each of the scaffold pipes 3 and 5 in aligned positions. Thus, the locating pin 59 can pass through the apertures 61 which will laterally vertically align the scaffold modules 57 and also act as a position support so that the scaffold clamps 1 can be rested thereabove and suitably operated to hold the scaffold pipes 3 and 5 together in adjacent proximity. FIG. 5 shows that the locating pin 59 is elongate and has a toggle nose end 63 which is swing pivoted thereto through pivot pin 65. The opposite end of the locating pin 59 carries a coil spring 67 in close fitting engagement over the outer surface at that end. An ‘O’ ring 69 is fitted through a passageway 71 in the locating pin 59. Thus, the coil spring 67 is held retained to the end of the locating pin 59 by the ring 69. In use, the locating pin 59 is passed through the pre-provided aligned apertures 61 in both of the scaffold pipes 3 and 5 so that the coil spring 67 is slightly compressed and so the toggle nose end 63 can be force swung downwardly thereby retaining the locating pin 59 fixed relative to the two scaffold pipes 3 and 5. A suitable flexible connector 73 can connect from the ring 69 to a connecting head 75. The connecting head 75 has an aperture therein through which the stringer part 11 can pass or through which the arm 43 of the clamping mechanism 17 can pass. In this way, the locating pin 59 can be held to the scaffold clamp 1. This, in turn, prevents the locating pin 59 from becoming displaced from the scaffold clamp 1 such that it may inadvertently be lost and not utilised to correctly position the height where the scaffold clamp 1 is to embrace the scaffold pipes 3 and 5.

Referring now to FIG. 9 there is shown an alternative form of scaffold pipe spacer 45. Here, instead of having a cut-out part 53 at the free end 51, it can be provided with a transversely extending passageway 77 which is open at the free end as shown. Accordingly, the arm part 43 of the clamping mechanism 17 is arranged to fit within the passageway 77. In such case, the scaffold clamp 1 may be used in the position up side down to that shown in FIG. 4. In such case, the scaffold pipe spacer 45 will not fall away by gravity from the arm part 43 of the clamping mechanism 17 prior to the clamping forces being applied by the clamping mechanism 17. FIG. 9 also shows that the hole 49 is made somewhat elliptical in shape so that the pipe spacer 45 can be moved backwards and forwards relative to the stringer part 11 across the space.

Modifications may be made to the invention as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art of producing scaffold modular units and scaffold clamp parts. For example, a safety pin may be provided to pass through suitable openings in the block end 37 of the second yoke part 9 to hold the arm part 43 of the clamping mechanism 17 captive relative to the second yoke part 9. This may provide an additional safety feature of captively retaining the arm part 43 within the horizontally extending passageway 39. In addition, whilst a screw threaded clamping mechanism 17 has been disclosed, toggle operated clamping mechanisms or other known clamping mechanisms may be utilised with a similar result.

These and other modifications may be made without departing from the ambit of the invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 

1. A scaffold clamp for retaining two scaffold pipes together in adjacent proximity, said clamp comprising a first yoke part for engaging with an external surface of one of the scaffold pipes, and a second yoke part for engaging with an external surface of the other of the scaffold pipes, each of the first yoke part and the second yoke part being of lengths to extend to overlap past the sides of the respective two scaffold pipes, a stringer part interconnecting the first yoke part and the second yoke part at one side of the first yoke part and at one side of the second yoke part, and a clamping mechanism for interconnecting the first yoke part and the second yoke part at the other side of first yoke part and the second yoke part, the scaffold clamp being such that the two scaffold pipes will be embraced within a space defined by the first yoke part and the second yoke part, and the stringer and the clamping mechanism, so that the clamping mechanism can be operated to relatively draw the first yoke part towards the second yoke part and to retain the two scaffold pipes together in adjacent proximity.
 2. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 1 wherein the stringer part is connected with at least one of the first yoke part or second yoke part by a connection that permits relative swinging of the stringer part relative to the respective yoke part, and wherein, in use, an axis of swinging is generally parallel with a longitudinal central axis of a scaffold pipe to which the scaffold clamp is to be used with.
 3. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 2, wherein the stringer part is connected with both the one yoke part and the second yoke part by respective connections that permit relative swinging of the stringer part relative to both yoke parts.
 4. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 3 wherein the clamping mechanism is connected with one of the first yoke part or second yoke part by a connection that permits relative swinging of the clamping mechanism relative to the respective yoke part, said connection permitting the clamp to be opened so said space is accessible to permit the two scaffold pipes to be embraced therein, whereafter the clamping mechanism can be swung to connect with the other of the yoke part and close the clamp, and to be operated to relatively draw the first yoke part towards the second yoke part.
 5. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 4, wherein the axis of swinging of the connection between the clamping mechanism and the one yoke part or the second yoke part is, in use, generally parallel with the axis of swinging of the connection between the stringer part and the first yoke part or second yoke part.
 6. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 5, wherein the clamping mechanism is a screw thread operated clamping mechanism.
 7. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 6, wherein the clamping mechanism is an arm and where the other of the first yoke part or second yoke part to which the arm is swing attached has an open socket at the other side thereof, and wherein the arm can be swung to locate the arm within the socket, said arm screw threadedly carrying a nut thereon which can be screw threadably moved along said arm to engage the socket, to relatively move the first yoke part towards the second yoke part.
 8. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 7, and including a scaffold pipe spacer to be fitted between the two pipes, so that when the first yoke part is relatively moved towards the second yoke part, the spacer will space the scaffold pipes and permit compressive clamping to occur to the two pipes from the first yoke part and the second yoke part when the first yoke part is relatively drawn towards the second yoke part.
 9. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 8, wherein the spacer has a hole at one end, and wherein the spacer is held to the clamp by either the stringer or the clamping arm passing through said hole, said spacer being rotatable relative to the respective stringer or clamping arm so that the spacer can be positioned to extend away from said space during fitting of the clamp about two scaffold pipes, and so that when said clamp is fitted about the two scaffold pipes it can be swung to extend into said space and between the two scaffold pipes.
 10. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 9, wherein said spacer is of a length sufficient so that when swung to extend into said space, said clamping arm will locate against said clamping arm.
 11. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 8, wherein the surfaces of each of said first yoke part and said second yoke part that are to engage with the respective scaffold pipes during the compressive holding together of the two scaffold parts, are of curved profile so that the surfaces of the respective scaffold pipes can nest therein.
 12. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 10, wherein the surfaces of the spacer that are to engage with the respective scaffold pipes are of curved profile so that the surfaces of the respective scaffold pipes can nest therewith.
 13. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 10, wherein the spacer is of a compressible synthetic plastics material.
 14. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 10, including a locating pin, for locating within pre-provided aligned apertures in two adjacent proximity scaffold pipes to correctly height align the two scaffold pipes and to provide a position locator for correctly height positioning the scaffold clamp by locating on the locator before relatively drawing the first yoke part towards the second yoke part.
 15. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 10 wherein the locating pin is attached to the scaffold clamp by a flexible connector.
 16. A scaffold clamp as claimed in claim 1, retaining two scaffold pipes together in adjacent proximity. 